25th March 2011

A south easterly breeze overnight with heavy mist produced a similar bird day to yesterday but somewhat quieter and without the Wheatears and the Blue Tit. The Merlin seen yesterday was again on the ridge south of Middle in the morning.
Finches were again passing through in good numbers:- 11 Greenfinch, 15 Goldfinch, 7 Chaffinch, 9 Siskin were logged up to mid-day with at least 21 Lesser Redpoll on the island, many down looking at the feeders (photos right). Meadow Pipits went through in numbers as they do at this time in March, today they were estimated at 350 birds. Other migrants today were 17 Pied Wagtails, 2 Goldcrests, a single Skylark with some Hilbre irregulars like 3 Woodpigeons, 3 Jackdaws, and 6 Collared Doves. Three House Sparrows circled the island but decided not to stay too long while a male Reed Bunting flew about and landed next to the pond, the nearest thing we have to a reed bed !
There were no Swallows today but 10 Sand Martins attracted attention.
Ringed:- 2 Wrens, 1 Blackbird, 1 Linnet, 1 Dunnock.
(DB,ME + HW,CJ,CJW, et al ) [65] photos CJ